Liverpool John Moores University

University

Geography

This programme prepares you for a rewarding career as an effective and inspirational teacher of Geography. You will have opportunities to learn from current practitioners and external speakers who are at the forefront of geographical education. Working with experienced professionals you will explore how teaching and learning enables pupils to apply and understand the knowledge, skills and processes of Geography both inside and outside the classroom.

During your training you will focus on the various approaches and pedagogies for Geography, emphasising the practical application of theoretical work. A sequence of micro-teaching experiences will allow you to develop and share with peers, your understanding of learning and teaching strategies that support effective practice in the classroom.You will also explore signature pedagogies such as enquiry and field techniques. These sessions will help to deepen your understanding of the role and nature of Geography in the curriculum and your own personal philosophy for your subject. You will explore how Geography deepens student understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments.

The subject knowledge sessions in the programme focus on common misconceptions held by Secondary Geography students and emphasise active learning and investigative teaching. As well as broadening your own geographical knowledge, these sessions introduce you to strategies that allow you to make your subject knowledge as accessible and practical as possible to students.

Entry requirements

You will need:

an honours degree (or equivalent) in a related subject. See Details tab for subject specific requirements

GCSE English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C/4 or equivalent. (Level 2 numeracy and literacy are not acceptable)

to demonstrate an interest in teaching within the curriculum area. You could show this in a number of ways – time spent in schools, knowledge of the chosen curriculum area, relevant practical experience

to undertake Professional Skills Tests in Literacy and Numeracy prior to entry to this programme. Successful completion of the tests will form part of the conditions of any offer of a place. For further details see Get into Teaching

Additional information:

A minimum of 5 days’ work experience in a UK secondary school is normally expected prior to commencing the programme. We can help to arrange this for successful applicants
Original evidence of GCSE passes (or equivalent) and your degree (if you have already graduated) will be required at interview

RPL is not accepted on this programme

IELTS score 7.0 (Minimum 6.5 in each component)

If you are shortlisted you will be invited to attend a selection event

Please note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via NARIC.

Course modules

The University element of the programme is based around modules focusing on:

developing your subject and pedagogical knowledge in order to support you in becoming a reflective, skilled and effective practitioner

promoting your ability to design inclusive, engaging and impactful sequences of lessons to meet the diverse needs all learners

informed and deliberate use of educational research to improve pupils’ learning

Assessment methods

To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme. Assessment techniques vary from module to module to reflect relevant assessment approaches and the key learning points of each topic.

PGDE assessment methods include: critical reflections on theory and practice, engaging with practitioner enquiry (as both a consumer and producer of research), the design and evaluation of learning experiences, and presentations.

On your placement, you will need to monitor your progression towards achieving the professional standards required for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and to maintain a professional development portfolio associated with these.

A final assessment of your achievement of the Teachers’ Standards required will be based on co-observation and assessment of your teaching practice, with your mentor and tutor, and the evidence of pupils’ learning and progress in the classes that you teach.